HL Deb 15 January 1981 vol 416 c236WA
The Duke of Hamilton and Brandon

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is any evidence to suggest that there is a greater incidence of cancer, and in particular cancer of the bowel, in workers with radioactive materials than in workers in chemical, mining and other industries.

The Earl of Gowrie

There is no evidence to suggest that under present conditions workers with radioactive materials have a greater incidence of cancer, including bowel cancer, than do workers in chemical, mining and other industries. Certain studies suggest that workers with radioactive materials have a higher incidence of certain types of cancer, but these studies have involved small groups who may have been exposed to high doses of radiation in the past. Research currently under way should provide a fuller picture of the overall incidence of cancer among radiation workers.

House adjourned at twenty-nine minutes past eight o'clock.